VENDING TECHNOLOGY


Everyone should benefit from new technology “We championed cashless for a long


Simon Black, MD: SB Software, the Makers of Vendmanager and Coffeemanager


Look at anyone using a vending or OCS machine, anyone running a location where these machines operate, or anyone working in the industry in whatever role, and they are all beneficiaries of today’s technology, or should be. That’s


according to SB Software’s managing director Simon Black. He contends that technology can


make things better, cheaper, faster, more streamlined and more profitable, with real time data underwriting consumer choice, product availability and quality, and flexible payment options, plus machine standards and up-time. And behind the scenes, technology is driving ever leaner stock holding, routing and filling, implementing the efficiency benefits for operators that will set the winners apart from the rest of the field.


Continuing commitment Mr Black says SB Software has been leading from the front with the following innovations over recent years.


time before the pandemic marked the fundamental transition in consumer expectations and behaviour evident today. And today we are even seeing the success of a straightforward but powerful new Vendmanager feature that makes handling of cash bags (now with their reduced contents) focused and efficient (counting the same amount of cash per week from half the number of collections). “We have always driven the operational


value of data in harnessing visibility to both efficiency and service (including Datakey, Planograms, Single Walk, Pre-Packing, and Visit on Demand). And now we are going further still, with our Automated Fleet Routing (AFR) rolling out across the country. AFR is the best routing anywhere because it draws on precise Vendmanager data from every machine to decide and map the best set of routes per vehicle across your whole fleet - dynamically. Turning “what” into “how” and “when” All of this begs a vital question. If everyone can and should benefit, how do operators know which innovation(s) to introduce next and when – or even what’s possible with technology nowadays? Operators can get answers with the help of SB Software’s crew of technical


Making vending seamless


Trevor Bullock, MD Hallmark Vending, centre (on site with SB Software Technical Account Managers James, left, and Martin): “We are building and growing the data-driven business with Vendmanager”.


account managers (TAMs). Each client works together with one dedicated TAM to build ongoing long-term understanding and streamline communications, maximising results by scheduling, implementing and monitoring their own bespoke development programme. Mr Black says: “It’s not just an issue of


what you can do with technology: at least as important is how to ensure you are prioritising, leveraging and implementing the right opportunities for you and when - at the right pace, in a managed process.


New tech is transforming the capabilities of vending, but it’s important for operators to stay focused on what customers really want and what adds true value to the transaction. Making the customer experience more


seamless and removing any friction from the process is the key to boosting sales. Laura Barwell, director of business development at VMC explains: “Mobile phones are clearly the payment method of


choice now, so it makes sense to capitalise on this user preference to drive the next stage of development in contactless vending. Integrating mobile phones and apps into the customer journey opens up lots of new possibilities; loyalty schemes to maximise sales and customer rewards to encourage repeat purchasing. Apps are also a great way to get the user more engaged and get your promotional messages directly into their hands 24/7.” Laura continues: “Making small changes on the vending machines can make a big different too, adding small screens to payment terminals is another way to improve customer engagement through improved interaction at the point of sale. With our VMC Flex solution we’ve focused on ways to add value, creating features that increase sales, make it even easier for customers to buy, and give operators useful insight into their customers purchasing habits. If you’re going to invest in new payment technology, it makes sense to choose a system that does more than just take the payment.”


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